29 November 2021

A new variant with significant mutations has been identified.

 

Link to the source article >> https://healthpolicy-watch.news/new-covid-variant-with-multiple-concerning-mutations-identified-in-southern-africa/

CAPE TOWN – A new COVID-19 variant with a “very unusual constellation of mutations” – currently referred to as B.1.1.529 – has been identified in southern Africa, South Africa’s Health Ministry announced on Thursday.

On Friday, WHO dubbed the variant “Omicron”, adding it to its list of variants of concern – even as the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States and Israel slapped a new round of restrictions on incoming travelers from South Africa and other southern African countries where it has been identified.

The variant has over 30 mutations in spike protein, the site usually targetted by COVID-19 vaccines, according to Professor Tulio de Oliveira, Director of South Africa’s Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation.

“The mutation profile is predicted to give significant immune evasion and enhanced transmissibility, and urgent work has already started to understand its full significance,” said De Oliveira.

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